Men Caught with Suspected Drugs in Ħamrun to Be Charged in Court

Dec 30 2024

Two men are expected to appear in court today at 1 pm after being arrested yesterday in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking.

The suspects, a 31-year-old man from Bormla and a 26-year-old man from Valletta, were apprehended by police at approximately 7 am on Triq Manuel Magri in Ħamrun following surveillance by the Anti-Drug Squad. The men arrived at the scene on a motorbike and in a car, where they were stopped and searched. Over 100 sachets, allegedly containing cocaine, were found in their possession.

Further searches were conducted at an apartment in Ħamrun belonging to one of the suspects and another in Mosta frequented by the other. Police seized additional sachets suspected to contain cocaine and heroin, as well as €20,000 in cash.

The operation, which included assistance from the Special Intervention Unit, was overseen by Magistrate Dr Philip Galea Farrugia, who is leading the inquiry.

The suspects will face charges including drug trafficking before Magistrate Dr Marse Ann Farrugia. Police investigations remain ongoing, and further legal action may be pursued.

#MaltaDaily

YouTube Tests Out ‘Play Something’ Button For Indecisive Viewers

Dec 29 2024

YouTube is testing a new “Play Something” button designed to help users decide what to watch next.

Currently available to select Android users, this feature randomly plays a recommended video tailored to your viewing history and preferences.

The button functions through the YouTube Shorts interface, but it isn’t limited to short-form videos—it can also select regular videos for playback.

By removing the need to endlessly scroll through options, the feature aims to address decision fatigue, keeping users engaged with content more efficiently.

This update reflects YouTube’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and maximise viewing time.

Over the years, the platform has introduced several features aimed at making content discovery easier, such as improved recommendations, personalised playlists, and enhanced AI-driven algorithms. The “Play Something” button appears to be the latest step in this direction.

While not yet widely available, the feature has the potential to change how users interact with the platform by offering a more seamless way to explore videos.

Whether it becomes a permanent addition remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a notable experiment in YouTube’s quest to keep viewers entertained.

Would you use this feature? 🤔

Malta’s tenure on the UN Security Council concludes

Dec 29 2024

The end of 2024 marks the conclusion of Malta’s second term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Established after World War II, the UNSC’s role is to maintain international peace and security. Initially composed of 11 members, the council grew to 15 in 1965 as former colonies gained independence.

Five permanent members, including China, France, the UK, the US, and Russia, hold veto powers, which have often led to a deadlock during conflicts.

Malta, part of the Western European and Others Group, served alongside Switzerland in 2023-2024 and will be succeeded by Greece and Denmark.

Malta’s tenure was overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, where the UNSC struggled to act due to vetoes.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs emphasized Malta’s active role in addressing global issues, including protecting civilians, humanitarian aid, and climate change.

Malta chaired the Children and Armed Conflict Working Group, advancing resolutions on child protection and promoting women’s roles in peace processes.

Foreign Minister Ian Borg expressed pride in Malta’s contributions to the UNSC, affirming the country’s commitment to peace and multilateralism.

#MaltaDaily

Żibel Pulls Up Massive 356kg Boat From Kalkara Waters

Dec 29 2024

Just a few weeks before the festive holidays, Maltese NGO Żibel, managed to pull up a massive 356kg boat from Kalkara waters, whilst doing a clean-up in the marina.

Żibel’s Kalkara clean-up, marking the conclusion of their 2024 initiatives, successfully collected an astounding 1,036.7kg of waste. Volunteers meticulously sorted through the debris, highlighting the persistent issue of marine pollution.

The NGO managed to collect 36.9kg of fishing gear, 107.9kg of plastic, 100.3kg of glass, 211.4kg of meta and a whopping 580.2kg of mixed waste.

The boat, weighing 355.8kg, made up a significant portion of the haul.

Żibel, an NGO committed to environmental clean-ups and waste management across Malta, relies on a dedicated team of volunteers—known as “land helpers” and “ocean warriors”—to recover such heavy items.

After hours of strenuous effort hauling, lifting, and dragging the boat to their waste skip, the team celebrated another successful mission, showcasing the strength of community and teamwork.

#MaltaDaily